We have received the news on the passing of Ria from her niece Arjette Klare. The letter is printed verbatim. We all remember Ria as a patient advocate who became President of the EOA and served too the IOA committee as treasurer.. At this hour of grief, we remember her family and loved ones.
Dear Sir, Madam,
I am reaching out to you with profound sadness to announce the passing of our beloved aunt, great aunt, step mom and grandmother Ria Smeijers, on Saturday June 13th 2026.
Ria was a remarkable woman, who shaped the Dutch Ostomy Association as president, and later on moved on to be the president of the European Ostomy Association from 2011-2017.
She was well known for her loving and respectful demaneanour and her exceptional ability to build bridges, not only between people, but also between nations.
Ria was awarded the Archie Vinitsky Award in October 2023 for her oustanding contributions to ostomates world wide.
Please find attached the funeral announcement for Ria’s Celebration of Life on Saturday June 20th.
For email correspondence, please contact Arjette Klare at: arjetteklare@gmail.com
I trust you will find a befitting way to honour our beloved Ria, and I would very much apprecaite it if you could send me a link for an online memorial for me to forward to the rest of the family, in due time.
Thank you,
Arjette Klare
